Dark energy
Robison Wells
Dark energy
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Robison Wells
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
Aliens have landed—and they’re not alone! Alice is stuck at a mysterious boarding school near the crash site, right where the biggest secret of all is unfolding. What will happen when the unknown steps out of the shadows?
Themes
Quick Assessment
Dark Energy is a thrilling middle-grade science fiction novel about a massive UFO crash and the mysterious boarding school where Alice, the protagonist, must stay close to the unfolding events. Suitable for ages 9-12, it explores themes of extraterrestrial contact and suspense, with some mild tension surrounding the unknown alien presence. Parents should note the story’s adventurous tone and moments of uncertainty but no graphic content.
Why we rated Dark energy 11LE
Dark energy is written at a Level 6 reading level across 278 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Dark energy works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Dark energy as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, Dark energy explores extraterrestrial beings, adventure, science & nature, and boarding school — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about extraterrestrial beings, adventure, science & nature.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780062275059
- Pages
- 278
- Publisher
- HarperTeen
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction